Moate no match in one-sided affair

Portlaoise Panthers Ladies Division 2 team took to the floor on Monday last against a new look Moate side after a seven week break.

Portlaoise Panthers Ladies Division 2 team took to the floor on Monday last against a new look Moate side after a seven week break.

After a slow start to the game and going down by four points in the first minute the girls settled into the game helped by two three pointers by Lorraine McCormack and Dorothy Fahy. Some super rebounds by Shauna Burke on both ends of the floor set up some good fast breaks which helped extend the girls lead. At the end of the first quarter the girls led 16-6.

Rebecca Kelly was hugely influential when introduced into the game picking up a basket straight away. In the second quarter she scored four early points which added to her ten point total for the game.

At that stage momentum was with the Portlaoise girls and their skill and teamwork started to shine. Rebounds and defensive plays by Leanne Hayes helped to stop what could have been some easy baskets for Moate. Portlaoise led by twenty-one points at half time.

In the third quarter the girls extended their lead even further with Gillian Hannigan getting on the end of some fast breaks, Orlaith Donovan hitting some free throws and Claire Dowling putting in a huge effort on defense. Danielle Keane hit a three pointer from well outside the arc. At the end of the third Portlaoise led 47-16.

The last quarter took the same path as the previous two with Portlaoise dominating on both ends of the floor. Nikki Kelly picked up two steals and finished on the break. Dorothy Fahy picked up another basket to add to her tally and finish top scorer with twelve points followed closely by Rebecca Kelly and Lorraine McCormack both with ten points.

The next game will see Portlaoise Panthers take on another local team Ballyroan Cougars.

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